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City To Look At Traffic

ST. MARYS — City engineers will soon determine if a pair of traffic signals are needed at two intersections in St. Marys.

St. Marys City Councilors agreed to refer a request made by Dean Hobler to have a traffic study conducted on the intersections of Columbia and Spruce streets and High and Chestnut streets to determine if a traffic signal is needed during their meeting Monday night. Hobler penned a letter to city councilors requesting the study based upon a change in traffic patterns because of the location of the new school.

“With the change of location of Memorial High School there is a definite change in traffic patterns within the city,” Hobler wrote.

Hobler wrote some of the issues could be traced to the increase is usage of High Street as a way to avoid signals along Spring Street, between Spruce and Wayne streets.

“The avoidance of the current traffic signals in the area between Spruce Street and Wayne Street on the east and westbound lanes of Spring Street has increased the use of High Street,” Hobler wrote.

Hobler said safety concerns could prompt the need for a signal at Spruce and Columbia streets.

“While a disadvantage of a traffic control device can cause excessive delay, the traffic approaching the intersection east and west on Columbia Street faces an excessive delay during peak times due to lack of a traffic control device,” Hobler wrote. “This increases the risk of left turn entry accidents, a condition that is enhanced due to limited visibility. Both these intersections and the recent changes in traffic patterns is increasing the risk of the safety of the citizens of St. Marys.”

In other business, councilors:

• Approved the second reading of an ordinance vacating an alley in the Highland addition of the city.

• Approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to enter into an agreement with Noble Township for fire protection.

• Approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to enter into an agreement with other political subdivisions for ambulatory services.